Maximize space

Think outside the kitchen

First things first: Get everything that doesn't belong in the kitchen out of there. If your countertops are constantly cluttered because they are the drop zone, take a look at organizing your entryway.

Good to go

Keep those keys from hitting the counter by making sure you have plenty of hooks by the door, as well as a couple of slots for mail — you could sort by type of mail (incoming, outgoing, bills) or who it's addressed to.

Plenty of pockets

Pantry perfection

Make better use of space in your pantry and cupboards by getting rid of bulky packaging. Clear canisters let you see when you're running low on staples; just make sure to keep the cooking instructions with the food.

Extra space

Divine dining

Fancy dishes and platters you don't use every day don't need to be stored in the kitchen. Consider installing a shallow shelving unit in the dining room to display them, along with some pretty collectibles.

Classified crates

Keep the freezer in order by storing everything in bags (no big boxes) and sorting items by type in labeled crates. Lay liquid items flat until they freeze into stackable, sortable packages — like the soups pictured.

Dish rack double duty

Speedy spices

Find the spice you're looking for in a flash by storing them with the labels all facing the same direction. If you don't have space to lay them flat, label the top of each jar with a marker before standing them up.

Stylish crates

Basket solutions

Baskets add not only style but convenient storage in just about every room of your house. In the kitchen, try a shallow basket for storing cooking oils and spices. Put a cookie sheet or aluminum foil on the bottom for easy cleanup.